Winter Ready: Essential Tips for Preparing Your Property

Just like changing your wardrobe between seasons, your home requires some essential maintenance to ensure a cozy and energy-efficient winter ahead. Follow these tips to seamlessly transition your home from fall to winter, ensuring a warm and inviting space during the colder months.

1. Inspect Your Heating System:

Before the temperatures drop significantly, it's crucial to inspect your heating system. Change the filters, clean ducts, and ensure that your furnace or heat pump is in optimal condition. Consider scheduling a professional HVAC maintenance check to identify and fix any potential issues before they become major problems. A well-maintained heating system not only keeps your home warm but also saves energy, reduces utility bills, but reduces chances of fire. (Check with your local HVAC tech and see if they offer seasonal inspection discounts. Many will be transitioning from summer and have time to provide this needed service.)

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks:

Inspect your doors, windows, and walls for any gaps or cracks that might allow cold air to seep in. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these openings, preventing drafts and improving your home's insulation. Proper insulation helps retain heat indoors, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. (make sure NOT to seal brick weep holes. These are necessary to allow air movement between the backer board and your brick. Without these holes moisture will build up and cause damage)

3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts:

Autumn leaves and debris tend to accumulate in gutters and downspouts, causing water blockages and potential damage. Clean out the gutters to ensure proper drainage, preventing water from accumulating and freezing, which can lead to ice dams and roof damage during winter storms.

4. Roof Inspection:

Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Addressing these issues before winter arrives prevents leaks and water damage inside your home. (Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to perform a thorough inspection and make necessary repairs.)

5. Check Insulation in Attic and Basement:

A well-insulated home is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Check the insulation in your attic and basement, and add more if needed. Adequate insulation not only keeps your home warm but also reduces heating costs by preventing heat loss. (using a FLIR or heat detecting camera can help easily identify area's where heat transfer is occurring)

6. Clean Chimney and Fireplace:

If you have a chimney and fireplace, it's essential to have them professionally cleaned and inspected before the start of the heating season. Creosote buildup in chimneys can pose a fire hazard, so regular cleaning is crucial. Additionally, inspect the damper to ensure it opens and closes properly, preventing cold drafts when the fireplace is not in use. (never burn pine in a fireplace, or any sappy woods. This increases your chances of fire as it causes combustible buildup within the flue.)

7. Store Outdoor Furniture and Garden Tools:

Before winter sets in, store your outdoor furniture, garden tools, and equipment in a dry, sheltered area. Proper storage prolongs their lifespan and makes it easier to start spring gardening when the warmer months return.

8. Prepare Emergency Supplies:

Lastly, prepare for winter emergencies by stocking up on essentials such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Create an emergency kit and place it in an easily accessible location, ensuring your family's safety in case of power outages or severe weather conditions. (You can have a back up generator and kit to install it for a few thousand dollars, or buy a battery bank to at least power your basic needs.)

9. Covering Your Outside Plumbing:

Winterizing Exposed Pipes: If you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures, it's crucial to winterize your outdoor plumbing. Use pipe insulation or heat tape to cover exposed pipes. This insulation helps in preventing the pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather, which can lead to costly repairs and water wastage.

Protecting Outdoor Faucets: Install faucet covers on your outdoor spigots. These covers act as shields against the cold, preventing them from freezing. Additionally, you can shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets from inside and drain any remaining water to further safeguard against freezing.

Insulating Outdoor Hose Bibs: Insulate outdoor hose bibs with foam covers or wrap them in towels and secure with duct tape. This extra layer of insulation helps in maintaining a stable temperature and prevents freezing.

10. Insulating Your Well:

Well House Insulation: If your well is housed in a structure, make sure the well house is properly insulated. Insulate the walls and roof to keep the interior temperature regulated. This insulation not only protects your well equipment but also ensures that the water doesn’t freeze inside the well casing.

Heat Source: Consider installing a low-wattage well house heater or a heat lamp inside the well house. This provides a constant source of heat, preventing the water from freezing during extremely cold weather. Be cautious with the placement of the heat source to avoid any fire hazards.

Well Casing Insulation: Insulating the well casing itself can be beneficial. You can use well casing insulation blankets or foam insulation specifically designed for wells. Proper insulation maintains a stable temperature inside the well, preventing freezing and ensuring a consistent water supply.

Sealing Gaps: Inspect the well house for any gaps, cracks, or openings. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. This helps in maintaining a warmer environment around the well, reducing the risk of freezing.

By dedicating some time and effort to these tasks, you'll be well-prepared to face the challenges of winter. A well-maintained home not only provides comfort and security but also saves you from unexpected repair costs in the long run. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and get your home ready to embrace the winter season with warmth and resilience.

If you need help getting this work done on your properties send us a message about managing your projects.